The day I aged up… what life has taught me.

Many runners think about it. Some count the days, weeks and years. If you’re like me, you have a big grin on your face when it happens.

That day is today for me.

I’m talking about the day you age up.

For many people, getting older is something they dread. Some will put up a huge fight by going to the plastic surgeon or buying a fancy new red sports car, but for us runners, we look forward to to the day we “age up”. That’s the thing about running, it teaches you how to live. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to fight gray hair. I can’t change the fact that I am aging and running teaches me that maturing is not something to be conflicted over, but something to be excited about.

I’m not sure why I’m so excited about aging up, I really think the competition gets more fierce, but I am. I’m proud to be living my best life and running with other men and women who do the same. Endurance athletes understand each other, we can come from completely different walks of life, yet we still feel that connection with each other. I don’t feel any older, when I pause and think about it. I don’t feel any different than I did 30 years ago, but I do feel a so much more wise and settled in my own skin. Here are a few things that I know now that I did not 30 years ago:

Lessons From Life

* I have learned that people come and go in your life and it’s important to be forgiving. Just because you may not see eye to eye with someone, it doesn’t mean that you can not revisit that friendship in the future. People hurt and are on their own life path, sometimes they do the wrong thing in one moment, but that doesn’t neccessarily mean they are not a good person.

* I have learned that having peace in my life is more important than an argument or the fight to be right.

* I have learned that friendship and love is far more important than just about anything else.

* I have learned that it’s better to put some distance between you and the people who dwell on the negative, are overly competetive, or compare themsleves to you. Sometimes it’s best to have compassion for them from afar.

* I have learned to accept what happens in my life, even if I can’t understand it, don’t want it, and am frustrated by the outcome. I look within at what I can learn from my circumstances and how I can better myself.

* I have learned to love myself, by looking at the small miracles around us in nature. We are part of the same life force behind all natural wonders. Why do we marvel at an amazing animal, tree, or flower and not marvel at ourselves the same way? We are all from the same source, so love each and every person the same way — no one is different.

* I have learned that I am not the voice inside my head. The one who never shuts up, the one who loves to try and drag me down, make me wrong, and tell me I’m worthless. I am not that darkness, and I have the power to tame that voice. I have the choice to identify with it or gently let it know it’s not the boss. My life is peaceful now that darkness doesn’t rule me.

* I have also learned not to let other people’s darkness drag me down. When someone is stuck in their darkness, then it might be time to give someone a sincere silent blessing goodbye.

* I have also learned not to let others live in my head. If someone flips you off, honks at you, is rude in store, or is a general hater, do not give them the power of getting upset back. Walk away peacefully. Never let someone have that much power over you.

* I have learned that it is important to do things that make you feel proud of yourself. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it to excercise self control.

* I have learned that you should pause when you are angry or hurt. It is better to wait before acting out. You can’t take back words.

* I have learned that most great things come in time and that they are never easy to acquire. You must work hard every day toward a larger goal, and nothing great happens over night. Well maybe one night with Adam Levine, but other than that, nothing.

* I have learned that most pain, not everything, is self inflicted. Most of our suffering is something we have control over. When you get tired of hurting, the concept of not allowing our voices to define us really becomes clear and you realize that there is only one way to live: with inner peace. That’s a choice you make. It’s not always easy. It takes work, dedication, and practice.

* I am learning it is best to live with less. The less cluttered and complicated your life is, the more free and happy you feel. This applies to most everything.

* I have learned that experiences and feelings are the essence of life. I used to think it was about living in a nice house, having nice clothes, or driving a nice car. Now I know it’s none of those things. It was how they made me feel that I was after. Then I realized those feelings are 100% free! All I need to do is go for trail run and I’ll get the same feelings, only even more.

* I have learned that it is way better to give with all of your heart with no expectation of anything in return, than it is to receive. Extending your hand to others in need is an essential part of life.

* I am learning how to be a better listener. I know how very important this is — everyone deserves to heard.

The greatest thing about getting older is realizing you never stop learning and growing. I never want to be stuck in my life, even if it means being taken down to ground and hurting so bad until I realize what I need to do, what I need to change. For me personally, life is about growing as person and living these next few years here on earth in the best possible way. I am excited about life, happy about aging up! I can not wait to see what I learn in the next 45 years!

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About Lisa

Mother of three children under 11, including a set of twins, and wife of a retired US Navy Diver. I love to run, create healthy recipes, DIY and above all have fun! 2013 Boston Marathon Finisher, Ultramarathoner, RRCA Certified Running Coach. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Comments

LOVE so much about this post. This one: * I have learned that I am not the voice inside my head. The one who never shuts up, the one who loves to try and drag me down, make me wrong, and tell me I’m worthless. I am not that darkness, and I have the power to tame that voice. I have the choice to identify with it or gently let it know it’s not the boss. My life is peaceful now that darkness doesn’t rule me.

Happy Birthday ! I agree with you, getting older does not scare me either! I started running end of last summer at 47 and I just turned 48 and will run my first race, half-marathon in a month! Life gets only better! 🙂

Happy Happy Birthday my dear friend!! So much wisdom and wise words here that really ring true. I’m finding that as I age up, I’m learning how to strip away those things that represent the “darkness” – the expectations, the guilt, the negative energies and how important that is to my own sanity. I hope that you had a wonderful birthday. xox

OMG I love this post. You know me so you know I loved your Adam reference! Looks like you had a really great day. You’re a real special person and it’s obvious many think so too. I’ll be thinking of you on the 15th!! The daffodils look so pretty. Glad you liked them. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday! What a beautiful post. You are so wise. I’m 10 years older but I can learn from you (especially that stay calm stuff :-).

Aging up is great. I did this year too (55!). I think what is great about it is, that even though the competition is still tough, you are now the “baby” in the age group as opposed to being the “senior.”

I’m going to be 40 this year, and I doubt I could come up with a fraction of those positive lessons/messages; I still don’t feel equal to many of the tasks life sets before me, I’m still quicker to anger than I’d like to be. I don’t heal from injury as fast (or at all) anymore, and while I’m healthy, my body has started to do gross old person things that I won’t describe here. Here’s hoping I get some of your perspective in the next 5 months…

P.S. With all due respect, Adam Levine is not in your league (him lower, you higher, that is).

Such a beautiful post, friend. There’s so much to learn as we get older. I saw everyone around me whining and complaining that they were fearing 30, because we’d be THIRTY. Oh my God. Not in our twenties anymore? I embraced 30. I was ready for it…a new decade. There’s so much to learn and experience as we age…why should we fear it like we’re leaving behind something spectacular? I’m rambling…

So glad you had a wonderful birthday, full of love! (PS: I never knew we had little girls the same age that give the same hair dos! Hannie just turned 6. 🙂 And you’re right…they do give the best gifts.)

I’ll turn 49 later this fall. I think I’ve learned more valuable lessons in the last couple years than in the previous 40-whatever. Also, this last week, I’ve been between jobs, starting new job next week and using up vacation time this week. So been working out at the YMCA during the day. Turns out a lot of older, retired people spend their mornings working out at the Y. Talked to a 64 year old guy today, full of life, who said he “couldn’t wait to get older”. Changes your viewpoint.

I love to talk to older people, they have so much wisdom and so many times our society ignores them, it’s so sad, they have so much to offer… you’re a good person, bet you made that guys day! Thank you for your comment!

HAPPY ONE TO YOU!!! What a wonderful bday & good thoughts for sure! I will sat reserve those dread getting order thoughts until you get to my age! 😉 I never minded age till I hot 50 & all hell broke loose! 😉

I’m so glad you had such an amazing birthday!! I just realized that I never clicked through to comment when I read this earlier in the week… I love that your family and friends went out of their way to love you. 🙂 And you’re making me pretty excited about the 40’s, with wisdom on your side life just keeps getting better, right?!

I feel like life gets nothing but better each year and well the only alternative to not getting older…isn’t so great!! I love these lessons, as they are many that I’ve learned too and happy happy birthday! (even a little late!)

Oh I love your list! And happy birthday! I think of all the things you wrote this one resonated with me the most: “I have learned that it’s better to put some distance between you and the people who dwell on the negative, are overly competetive, or compare themsleves to you. Sometimes it’s best to have compassion for them from afar.” I was actually thinking about this quite a bit this morning because I have a friend (sister actually) who seems to be getting dragged down by comparing herself to other blogs/bloggers. I’ve found the blogging community to be incredibly supportive and positive but I think she approaches it differently. Anyway…I thought this quote was great!

About Lisa

Mother of three children under 11, including a set of twins, and wife of a retired US Navy Diver. I love to run, create healthy recipes, DIY and above all have fun! 2013 Boston Marathon Finisher, Ultramarathoner, RRCA Certified Running Coach. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.